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2021 NFL Power Rankings: Carolina Panthers

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Carolina Panthers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Below you will find a Week 2 roundup for the Panthers in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 23

Top rookie: CB Jaycee Horn

Horn wasn't perfect, as he did give up an 8-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, but that was on a perfect pass from Zach Wilson to Corey Davis. What he didn't do in playing all but one defensive snap was give up anything big down the field. He kept the plays in front of him and his man-to-man coverage allowed the defensive front to pressure Wilson. Not a bad start for the son of former NFL receiver Joe Horn. -- David Newton

NFL.com -- Rank: 25

Sam Darnold got his Revenge Game, but the most exciting development to come out of a 19-14 win over the Jets was a Carolina defensive front seven that used speed and athleticism to completely outclass its opponent. Brian Burns and Shaq Thompson led a swarming Panthers defense that had rookie Zach Wilson running for his life from the first series. Darnold overcame some early miscues to deliver a strong performance in his Panthers debut, while Christian McCaffrey -- who offered up a ho-hum 187 total yards -- was back to looking like the best running back in football. These Panthers could be frisky.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 23

They did some good things in beating the Jets, but they have to be better than that going forward. It sure has to be good to have Christian McCaffrey back running the football.

USA Today -- Rank: 23

QB Sam Darnold's relaunch and RB Christian McCaffrey's return understandably commanded a lot of attention, but Carolina's defense opened season with a stifling performance (6 sacks, 252 yards allowed).

The Athletic -- Rank: 23

Overreaction: Sam Darnold! Robby Anderson! Against the Jets, no less. It's only the sixth time in his 39 career games Darnold has accounted for multiple touchdowns without any interceptions. The defense took a shutout late into the third quarter, so maybe things are on the rise in Matt Rhule's second season with Carolina. Perhaps they catch the Saints overconfident? -- Auman

Reality check: Darnold gets somewhat lucky in that he'll face a Saints team without Marshon Lattimore. But I don't think his streak of games without a turnover lasts long. -- Jones

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